Top Things to Do in Nagoya

Nagoya, Japan

About the City

Nagoya, A Harmonious Blend of Samurai History and Robotic Innovation Nestled in the heart of Japan, Nagoya beckons with its harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. Imagine strolling through the historical Nagoya Castle, witnessing the grandeur of the samurai era, only to be whisked away into the future at the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park where bullet trains tell tales of speed and innovation. Feast upon the famous Nagoya Cochin chicken, its flavor a sumptuous ode to the city's culinary prowess, but brace yourself for the surprising hit of the unique, polarizing taste of hitsumabushi, a local eel delicacy. The city's vibrant shopping scene, which ranges from sprawling malls like Oasis 21 to the quirky Osu Shopping Street, is a haven for shopaholics, though it may leave wallets feeling eerily light. The cultural aficionado can bask in the artistic aura of the Tokugawa Art Museum, but be wary of the humid summers that saturate the city with a sweltering embrace. Even the winter chill cannot dampen the spirits in Nagoya, for it hardens into a festive atmosphere during the Nagoya Festival. However, the commuter may battle with mixed emotions as they navigate the efficient, albeit crowded, public transportation system during rush hour. And while the urban architecture captivates, it's interspersed with pockets of mundane grey that clash with the sensory overload of colorful cityscapes. In essence, Nagoya is the epitome of a modern Japanese city steeped richly in its ancestral past.

Things to Do in Nagoya

Dive into a Donburi Delight

Food & Drink

Say 'ohayou' to your taste buds with a hearty Nagoya-style donburi. Whether it's topped with tenkasu or local delights, each scoop is a mini adventure in a bowl!

Historical Hopping at Meijo Park

Outdoors

Crank up the culture and history with a jaunt around Meijo Park. With Nagoya Castle as your backdrop, you can play samurai lookout or castle courtier in a modern world. Just imagine those ancient stor...

Get Crafty with a Japanese Calligraphy Class

The Unexpected

Ink, brush, and paper; become a word artist! Japanese calligraphy is more than just writing; it's a dance of brush strokes. So grab a brush, dip it in some sumi ink, and let your creativity flow onto ...

Beat the Escape Room

The Unexpected

Fancy yourself a master of riddles and clues? Join forces with friends to crack codes and solve puzzles in a thrilling escape room adventure. But watch the clock! Time flies when you're under pressure...

Go for Gold at a Gold Leaf Workshop

The Unexpected

Channel your inner alchemist and try your hand at decorating with gold leaf. It's delicate, shiny, and utterly mesmerizing! Roll up your sleeves and add a Midas touch to chopsticks, plates, or even yo...

Aerial Acrobatics in an Indoor Skydiving Tunnel

The Unexpected

Ready to defy gravity without actually jumping out of a plane? Float and fly in Nagoya's indoor skydiving tunnel. It's all the thrill of skydiving, but in the safety of a padded tube. And hey, no para...

Explore the Green Paths

Outdoors

Get those walking shoes laced up and ready to explore the lush trails of Nagoya. Smell the fresh earth, listen to the rustle of leaves, and forage for hidden nature spots where you can play guess-that...

Trail Blazers at the Yamazaki River

Outdoors

Slap on your comfiest sneakers and take a trek along the Yamazaki River. With cherry blossoms in spring and fiery leaves in autumn, it's an all-year-round runway for your walking game. Also, super spo...

Sky Gazing at Hisaya Odori Park

Outdoors

Hang out at Hisaya Odori Park and stare at the sky until you spot a cloud shaped like a takoyaki! It's a perfect, no-frills chill out spot where you can people-watch or simply lie back and relish in s...

Retro Rides at Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Outdoors

Roll up your sleeves and jump on the retro charm train at the Higashiyama Zoo! Apart from cuddly creatures and floral fun, vintage car rides await to trundle you back to yesteryears. It's throwback fu...

Savor the Sweetness of a Nagoyan Parfait

Food & Drink

Indulge in an eye-popping, skyscraper-high parfait, Nagoya style. It's a towering inferno of ice cream, fruit, and all things nice. Chisel your way through the layers and experience sweet victory!

Get Puzzled at the Nagoya City Science Museum

Sights

Ready to have your mind blown by science? The Nagoya City Science Museum is home to one of the world's largest planetariums. Get starry-eyed or play with interactive exhibits that make you feel like a...

Capture the Panoramic Views from the Skyscraping Nagoya TV Tower

Sights

Elevate your adventure in Nagoya by hitting up the city's iconic TV Tower. Savor the sky-high sights and tickle your thrill sensors with stellar views!

Satisfy Your Shopping Spree at Osu Shopping Street

Sights

Get lost in a shopper's wonderland where traditional stalls meet modern boutiques. Follow the aroma of street food, and snag some quirky souvenirs!

Uncover the Secrets of Nagoya's Underground Mall

Sights

Navigate the labyrinth of Nagoya's underground mall. From quirky shops to local eats, it's an urban explorer's retail paradise!

Jazz Up Your Evening at a Nagoya Music Festival

Sights

Groove to the beat and let the rhythms swing you into the vibrant heart of Nagoya's music scene. Whether you're into jazz, rock, or pop, there's a tune for every soul!

Slurp Down a Bowl of Hitsumabushi

Food & Drink

Get ready to engage in a flavor battle with Nagoya's infamous grilled eel rice bowl, Hitsumabushi. You'll be fishin' for seconds!

Nibble on Nagoya-style Toast

Food & Drink

Start your morning the Nagoya way, with a ridiculously thick slab of toast slathered in ogura-an (sweet red bean paste) and butter. This is not your everyday toast, it's a sweet-savory block of happin...

Scoop up some Tenmusu

Food & Drink

Imagine this: a tempura shrimp snuggled up inside a warm onigiri, like a tasty little bug in a rice rug. That's tenmusu, and it's the ultimate grab-and-go snack in Nagoya. Dive into this fusion of cru...

Unlock the Secrets of Atsuta Shrine

The Unexpected

Atsuta Shrine isn't just another pretty place of worship. Dive into the history by seeking out the hidden spots and secret lore of this ancient site. Get ready to whisper to the trees and charm the ko...